Menu
15/09/2004
UN input into Iraqi elections threatened by 'lack of security'
Following on from yesterday's horrific car bombing in Baghdad which claimed the lives of 47 people, the UN has warned that a "lack of security" is undermining the world body's efforts to assist in elections set for January.
The top UN envoy for Iraq said that the effectiveness of next year's electoral process could only be guaranteed through UN participation – but this would only happen if security is improved.
Speaking yesterday, Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative for Iraq, Ashraf Qazi warned that the extent and scale of UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) activity to assist in elections would "necessarily be determined by prevailing circumstances including the security environment". However, Mr Qazi said UNAMI remained committed to actively supporting Iraq's Election Commission in administering and monitoring the process.
He added: "The tragic human dimension of the current situation in Iraq was brought home to all of us today, with almost 50 people losing their lives in yet another bombing.
"It is a sign of the resurgence of the vicious cycle of violence that is halting the process of rebuilding the country. Improving the security situation is a collective responsibility that we all share."
In his latest Iraq report, Mr Annan said that international staff in the country were "operating at the outer limit of acceptable and prudent risk" and warned that UN presence on the ground was limited until further notice.
Most international staff were withdrawn last year after a terrorist bomb ripped though UN offices in Baghdad, killing Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello and 21 others.
(gmcg)
The top UN envoy for Iraq said that the effectiveness of next year's electoral process could only be guaranteed through UN participation – but this would only happen if security is improved.
Speaking yesterday, Secretary-General Kofi Annan's Special Representative for Iraq, Ashraf Qazi warned that the extent and scale of UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) activity to assist in elections would "necessarily be determined by prevailing circumstances including the security environment". However, Mr Qazi said UNAMI remained committed to actively supporting Iraq's Election Commission in administering and monitoring the process.
He added: "The tragic human dimension of the current situation in Iraq was brought home to all of us today, with almost 50 people losing their lives in yet another bombing.
"It is a sign of the resurgence of the vicious cycle of violence that is halting the process of rebuilding the country. Improving the security situation is a collective responsibility that we all share."
In his latest Iraq report, Mr Annan said that international staff in the country were "operating at the outer limit of acceptable and prudent risk" and warned that UN presence on the ground was limited until further notice.
Most international staff were withdrawn last year after a terrorist bomb ripped though UN offices in Baghdad, killing Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello and 21 others.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 July 2004
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
30 March 2004
Annan demands resignations following Baghdad bomb probe
Kofi Annan has called for the resignations of senior UN officials, following the publication of a highly critical report into a terrorist attack on the UN's headquarters in Baghdad last August that killed 22 people – including the UN's top envoy in Iraq.
Annan demands resignations following Baghdad bomb probe
Kofi Annan has called for the resignations of senior UN officials, following the publication of a highly critical report into a terrorist attack on the UN's headquarters in Baghdad last August that killed 22 people – including the UN's top envoy in Iraq.
20 August 2003
Rescue operation scaled down in devastated Baghdad UN HQ
The search for people trapped alive in the devastated Baghdad headquarters of the UN is being scaled down following yesterday afternoon's bomb attack. The latest casualty figures for those killed stands at 17 and 100 people injured in the blast that ripped through the hotel building collapsing part of the structure.
Rescue operation scaled down in devastated Baghdad UN HQ
The search for people trapped alive in the devastated Baghdad headquarters of the UN is being scaled down following yesterday afternoon's bomb attack. The latest casualty figures for those killed stands at 17 and 100 people injured in the blast that ripped through the hotel building collapsing part of the structure.
24 October 2003
Security will determine UN's involvement in Iraq, says official
A top UN humanitarian official has told the Iraq donors’ conference in Madrid that security is “the single most important factor” shaping the world body’s work in the country.
Security will determine UN's involvement in Iraq, says official
A top UN humanitarian official has told the Iraq donors’ conference in Madrid that security is “the single most important factor” shaping the world body’s work in the country.
05 September 2003
US draft resolution on Iraq opens old wounds
A US draft resolution circulated to the UN Security Council members, seeking an international force for Iraq, has met with stiff opposition from both the French and German governments. The resolution would be the first step in paving the way for a multinational peacekeeping force to be deployed in Iraq with UN Security Council support.
US draft resolution on Iraq opens old wounds
A US draft resolution circulated to the UN Security Council members, seeking an international force for Iraq, has met with stiff opposition from both the French and German governments. The resolution would be the first step in paving the way for a multinational peacekeeping force to be deployed in Iraq with UN Security Council support.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
